Apparatuses, computer program products, and methods for generation of augmented reality interfaces

ABSTRACT

Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed for generating an augmented reality interface, for example for provision of promotions. Some example embodiments receive camera data and location data associated with a consumer device; receive map data based on the location data; identify at least a provider location in a field of view based on the map data; determine a number of consumer devices within a proximity radius of the provider location; determine the number of consumer devices satisfies a predetermined number of consumer devices; determine, based on the determining that the number of consumer devices within the proximity radius satisfies the predetermined number of consumer devices, a promotion for the provider location; and cause display of an impression of the promotion in an augmented reality displayed via an interface of the consumer device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/189,029, filed Feb. 25, 2014, titled “Generation Of Promotion In AnAugmented Reality,” the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Example embodiments of the present invention relate generally toaugmented reality and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus forgenerating a promotion in an augmented reality.

BACKGROUND

Applicant has discovered problems with existing methods and systems forpromotion management. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation,Applicant has solved many of these identified problems by developing asolution that is embodied by the present invention and described indetail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Accordingly, a method, apparatus, and computer program product areprovided for generating a promotion in an augmented reality. In anexample embodiment a method is provided which includes receiving cameradata and location data associated with an consumer device, the cameradata includes camera orientation data; receiving map data based on thelocation data associated with the consumer device; identifying at leastone provider location in a field of view that is associated with apromotion based on at least one relevance criteria; and generating anaugmented reality based on the at least one provider location associatedwith the promotion and the camera data, the augmented realty displays aprovider location associated with a promotion overlaid onto the cameradata.

In an example embodiment of the method the identifying at least oneprovider location in a field of view that is associated with a promotionincludes generating a first ranking of promotions, the respectivepromotions are associated with promotion parameters or a providerlocation, the first ranking of promotions is based on correlating afirst relevance criteria to the promotion parameter or the providerlocation of the respective promotions; and comparing the ranking ofpromotions to a predetermined relevancy threshold. In an exampleembodiment, the identifying at least one provider location is a field ofview that is associated with a promotion further also includes receivinga second relevance criteria; and generating a second ranking ofpromotions; the second ranking of promotions is generated based oncorrelating the first relevance criteria and the second relevancecriteria to the promotion parameters or provider locations of therespective promotions.

In an example embodiment the method also includes causing the augmentedreality to be displayed on a user interface. In an example embodimentthe method also includes receiving a proximate consumer indicationassociated with a first consumer device which indicates a secondconsumer device associated with the first consumer device proximate tothe consumer device; the promotion is based on the proximate consumerindication. In an example embodiment of the method, the augmentedreality further includes radial proximity display. In an exampleembodiment the method also includes receiving a provider locationselection indication; and causing an impression comprising at least aportion the promotion parameters associated with the selected providerlocation to be displayed on a user interface.

In an example embodiment of the method, the provider location selectionindication is based on the camera orientation data. In an exampleembodiment of the method, the impression comprising at least a portionof the promotion parameters displayed includes a promotion parametersummary; the method further includes receiving a promotion parametersummary selection indication; and causing an impression comprising thepromotion parameters to be displayed on a user interface. In an exampleembodiment of the method, the promotion parameters include apredetermined start and end time; and the relevance criteria is thestart and end time of the promotion parameters.

In an example embodiment of the method, the relevance criteria is apredetermined number of consumer device within a proximity radius of aprovider. In an example embodiment of the method, the relevance criteriais a real time provider notice. In an example embodiment of the method,the relevance criteria is a predetermined number of consumers associatedwith the consumer device. In an example embodiment of the method, therelevance criteria is at least one attribute of a consumer profileassociated with the consumer device. In an example embodiment of themethod, the relevance criteria is at least one consumer search data.

In an example embodiment of the method, the relevance criteria is aconsumer preference inputs. In an example embodiment of the method, theprovider location selection indication is based on a consumer input froma user interface. In an example embodiment of the method, the relevancecriteria is a proximity radius. In an example embodiment of the method,the relevance criteria is a predetermined number of viewings of apromotion or a provider location associated with a promotion. In anexample embodiment of the method, the relevance criteria is weather. Inan example embodiment of the method, the relevance criteria isenvironment. In an example embodiment of the method, the relevancecriteria is the location data and a location data associated with anassociated consumer.

In an example embodiment an apparatus is provided including at least oneprocessor and at least one memory including computer program code, theat least one memory and the computer program code configured to, withthe processor cause the apparatus to at least: receive camera data andlocation data associated with an consumer device, the camera dataincludes camera orientation data; receive map data based on the locationdata associated with the consumer device; identify at least one providerlocation in a field of view that is associated with a promotion based onat least one relevance criteria; and generate an augmented reality basedon the at least one provider location associated with the promotion andthe camera data, the augmented realty displays a provider locationassociated with a promotion overlaid onto the camera data.

In an example embodiment of the apparatus, the identifying at least oneprovider location in a field of view that is associated with a promotionincludes generating a first ranking of promotions, respective promotionsare associated with promotion parameters or a provider location, thefirst ranking of promotions is based on correlating a first relevancecriteria to the promotion parameter or the provider location of therespective promotions; and comparing the ranking of promotions to apredetermined relevancy threshold. In an example embodiment of theapparatus, the identifying at least one provider location is a field ofview that is associated with a promotion further includes: receiving asecond relevance criteria; and generating a second ranking ofpromotions; the second ranking of promotions is generated based oncorrelating the first relevance criteria and the second relevancecriteria to the promotion parameters or provider locations of therespective promotions.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be furtherconfigured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of an exampleembodiment to cause the apparatus to cause the augmented reality to bedisplayed on a user interface. The at least one memory and the computerprogram code may be further configured to, with the processor, cause theapparatus of an example embodiment to cause the apparatus to receive aproximate consumer indication associated with a first consumer devicewhich indicates a second consumer device associated with the firstconsumer device proximate to the consumer device; the promotion is basedon the proximate consumer indication. In an example embodiment of theapparatus the augmented reality further includes radial proximitydisplay. The at least one memory and the computer program code may befurther configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus of anexample embodiment to receive a provider location selection indication;and cause an impression comprising at least a portion the promotionparameters associated with the selected provider location to bedisplayed on a user interface.

In an example embodiment of the apparatus, the provider locationselection indication is based on the camera orientation data. In anexample embodiment of the apparatus the impression comprising at least aportion of the promotion parameters displayed includes a promotionparameter summary; the at least one memory and the computer program codeare further configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to:receive a promotion parameter summary selection indication; and cause animpression comprising the promotion parameters to be displayed on a userinterface. In an example embodiment of the apparatus, the promotionparameters include a predetermined start and end time; and the relevancecriteria is a start and end time of the promotion parameters. In anexample embodiment of the apparatus, the relevance criteria is apredetermined number of consumer device within a proximity radius of aprovider.

In an example embodiment of the apparatus, the relevance criteria is areal time provider notice. In an example embodiment of the apparatus,the relevance criteria is a predetermined number of consumers associatedwith the consumer device. In an example embodiment of the apparatus, therelevance criteria is at least one attribute of a consumer profileassociated with the consumer device. In an example embodiment of theapparatus, the relevance criteria is at least one consumer search data.In an example embodiment of the apparatus, the relevance criteria is aconsumer preference inputs. In an example embodiment of the apparatus,the provider location selection indication is based on a consumer inputfrom a user interface. In an example embodiment of the apparatus, therelevance criteria is a proximity radius.

In an example embodiment of the apparatus, the relevance criteria is apredetermined number of viewings of a promotion or a provider locationassociated with a promotion. In an example embodiment of the apparatus,the relevance criteria is weather. In an example embodiment of theapparatus, the relevance criteria is environment. In an exampleembodiment of the apparatus, the relevance criteria is the location dataand a location data associated with an associated consumer.

In an example embodiment a computer program product is providedincluding at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-executable program code portions stored therein, thecomputer-executable program code portions comprising program codeinstructions configured to: receive camera data and location dataassociated with an consumer device, the camera data includes cameraorientation data; receive map data based on the location data associatedwith the consumer device; identify at least one provider location in afield of view that is associated with a promotion based on at least onerelevance criteria; and generate an augmented reality based on the atleast one provider location associated with the promotion and the cameradata, the augmented realty displays a provider location associated witha promotion overlaid onto the camera data.

In an example embodiment of the computer program product, theidentifying at least one provider location in a field of view that isassociated with a promotion includes: generating a first ranking ofpromotions, the respective promotions are associated with promotionparameters or a provider location, the first ranking of promotions isbased on correlating a first relevance criteria to the promotionparameter or the provider location of the respective promotions; andcomparing the ranking of promotions to a predetermined relevancythreshold. In an example embodiment of the computer program product, theidentifying at least one provider location is a field of view that isassociated with a promotion further includes: receiving a secondrelevance criteria; and generating a second ranking of promotions; thesecond ranking of promotions is generated based on correlating the firstrelevance criteria and the second relevance criteria to the promotionparameters or provider locations of the respective promotions.

The computer-executable program code portions of an example embodimentof the computer program product may also include program codeinstructions configured to: cause the augmented reality to be displayedon a user interface. The computer-executable program code portions of anexample embodiment of the computer program product may also includeprogram code instructions configured to: receive a proximate consumerindication associated with a first consumer device which indicates asecond consumer device associated with the first consumer deviceproximate to the consumer device; the promotion is based on theproximate consumer indication. In an example embodiment of the computerprogram product, the augmented reality further includes radial proximitydisplay.

The computer-executable program code portions of an example embodimentof the computer program product may also include program codeinstructions configured to: receive a provider location selectionindication; and cause an impression comprising at least a portion thepromotion parameters associated with the selected provider location tobe displayed on a user interface. In an example embodiment of thecomputer program product, the provider location selection indication isbased on the camera orientation data.

In an example embodiment of the computer program product, the impressioncomprising at least a portion of the promotion parameters displayedincludes a promotion parameter summary; the computer-executable programcode portions may also include program code instructions configured to:receiving a promotion parameter summary selection indication; andcausing an impression comprising the promotion parameters to bedisplayed on a user interface. In an example embodiment of the computerprogram product, the promotion parameters comprised a predeterminedstart and end time; and the relevance criteria is a start and end timeof the promotion parameters. In an example embodiment of the computerprogram product, the relevance criteria is a predetermined number ofconsumer device within a proximity radius of a provider.

In an example embodiment of the computer program product, the relevancecriteria is a real time provider notice. In an example embodiment of thecomputer program product, the relevance criteria is a predeterminednumber of consumers associated with the consumer device. In an exampleembodiment of the computer program product, the relevance criteria is atleast one attribute of a consumer profile associated with the consumerdevice. In an example embodiment of the computer program product, therelevance criteria is at least one consumer search data. In an exampleembodiment of the computer program product, the relevance criteria is aconsumer preference inputs. In an example embodiment of the computerprogram product, the provider location selection indication is based ona consumer input from a user interface.

In an example embodiment of the computer program product, the relevancecriteria is a proximity radius. In an example embodiment of the computerprogram product, the relevance criteria is a predetermined number ofviewings of a promotion or a provider location associated with apromotion. In an example embodiment of the computer program product, therelevance criteria is weather. In an example embodiment of the computerprogram product, the relevance criteria is environment. In an exampleembodiment of the computer program product, the relevance criteria isthe location data and a location data associated with an associatedconsumer.

In yet another example embodiment, an apparatus is provided thatincludes means for receiving camera data and location data associatedwith an consumer device, the camera data includes camera orientationdata; means for receiving map data based on the location data associatedwith the consumer device; means for identifying at least one providerlocation in a field of view that is associated with a promotion based onat least one relevance criteria; and means for generating an augmentedreality based on the at least one provider location associated with thepromotion and the camera data, the augmented realty displays a providerlocation associated with a promotion overlaid onto the camera data.

The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing someexample embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects ofthe invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that theabove-described embodiments are merely examples and should not beconstrued to narrow the scope or spirit of the invention in any way. Itwill be appreciated that the scope of the invention encompasses manypotential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some ofwhich will be further described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described certain example embodiments of the presentdisclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to theaccompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, andwherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system within which embodiments of thepresent invention may operate;

FIG. 2 illustrates block diagram of an apparatus that may bespecifically configured for generating promotions in an augmentedreality in accordance with an example embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example map, which may be a portion of a map datain accordance with some example embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 4-11 illustrate an example augmented realities displayed on a userinterface in accordance with some example embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart of an example process for generating anaugmented reality in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of an example process for identifyingprovider locations associated with a promotion based on relevance inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichsome, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, theseinventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information,” and similarterms may be used interchangeably to refer to data capable of beingtransmitted, received, and/or stored in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention. Thus, use of any such terms should not be takento limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention.Further, where a computing device is described herein to receive datafrom another computing device, it will be appreciated that the data maybe received directly from the another computing device or may bereceived indirectly via one or more intermediary computing devices, suchas, for example, one or more servers, relays, routers, network accesspoints, base stations, hosts, and/or the like, sometimes referred toherein as a “network.” Similarly, where a computing device is describedherein to send data to another computing device, it will be appreciatedthat the data may be sent directly to the another computing device ormay be sent indirectly via one or more intermediary computing devices,such as, for example, one or more servers, relays, routers, networkaccess points, base stations, hosts, and/or the like.

As used herein, the term “promotion and marketing service” may include aservice that is accessible via one or more computing devices and isoperable to provide example promotion and/or marketing services onbehalf of one or more providers that are offering one or moreinstruments that are redeemable for goods, services, experiences and/orthe like. In some examples, the promotion and marketing service may takethe form of a redemption authority, a payment processor, a rewardsprovider, an entity in a financial network, a promoter, an agent and/orthe like. As such, the service is, in some example embodiments,configured to present one or more promotions via one or moreimpressions, accept payments for promotions from consumers, issueinstruments upon acceptance of an offer, participate in redemption,generate rewards, provide a point of sale device or service, issuepayments to providers and/or or otherwise participate in the exchange ofgoods, services or experiences for currency, value and/or the like.

As used herein, the term “provider” may include, but is not limited to,merchant, a business owner, consigner, shopkeeper, tradesperson, vender,operator, entrepreneur, agent, dealer, organization or the like that isin the business of a providing a good, service or experience to aconsumer, facilitating the provision of a good, service or experience toa consumer and/or otherwise operating in the stream of commerce. Oneexample a provider may be a running company that sells attire for use bya person who runs or participates in athletic activities.

As used herein, the term “consumer” may include, but is not limited to,a client, customer, purchaser, shopper, user, or the like, who may be inthe position to or does exchange value for one or more vouchers underthe terms defined by one or promotions. For example, and using theaforementioned running company as the example provider, a consumer maybe an individual who is interested in purchasing running shoes.

As used herein, the term “promotion” may include, but is not limited to,any type of offered, presented or otherwise indicated reward, discount,coupon, credit, deal, incentive, discount, media or the like that isindicative of a promotional value or the like that upon purchase oracceptance results in the issuance of an instrument that may be usedtoward at least a portion of the purchase of particular goods, servicesand/or experiences defined by the promotion. An example promotion, usingthe aforementioned running company as the example provider, is $25 for$50 toward running shoes. In some examples, the promotion defines anaccepted value (e.g., a cost to purchase the promotion), a promotionalvalue (e.g., the value of the resultant instrument beyond the acceptedvalue), a residual value (e.g., the value upon return or upon expiry ofone or more redemption parameters), one or more redemptions parametersand/or the like. Using the running company promotion as an example, theaccepted value is $25 and the promotional value is $50. In this example,the residual value may be equal to the accepted value.

As used herein, the term “impression” may include a communication, adisplay, or other perceived indication, such as a flyer, print media,e-mail, text message, application alert, mobile applications, other typeof electronic interface or distribution channel and/or the like, of oneor more promotions. For example, and using the aforementioned runningcompany as the example provider, an e-mail communication sent toconsumers that indicates the availability of a promotion of $25 for $50toward running shoes.

As used herein, the term “instrument” may include, but is not limitedto, any type of gift card, tender, electronic certificate, medium ofexchange, voucher, or the like that embodies the terms of the promotionfrom which the instrument resulted and may be used toward at least aportion of the purchase, acquisition, procurement, consumption or thelike of goods, services and/or experiences. In some examples, theinstrument may take the form of tender that has a given value that isexchangeable for goods, services and/or experiences and/or a reductionin a purchase price of a particular good, service or experience. In someexamples, the instrument may have multiple values, such as acceptedvalue, a promotional value and/or a residual value. For example, usingthe aforementioned running company as the example provider, anelectronic indication in a mobile application that shows $50 of value tospend at the running company. In some examples, the accepted value ofthe instrument is defined by the value exchanged for the instrument. Insome examples, the promotional value is defined by the promotion fromwhich the instrument resulted and is the value of the instrument beyondthe accepted value. In some examples, the residual value is the valueafter redemption, the value after the expiry or other violation of aredemption parameter, the return or exchange value of the instrumentand/or the like.

As used herein, “consumer attributes” may include, but is not limitedto, the consumer's name, consumer's age, consumer's location (e.g.,“home”, “work”, or other visited places such as future vacationlocations, cities that friends and/or family live in locations, businesstrip locations and the like), consumer's gender, consumer's tenure usingthe promotion system, consumer's email domain, consumer's IP address,consumer's occupation, consumer's educational background, consumer'spreviously accepted and/or rejected promotion program offerings,consumer's gender and the like.

As used herein, the term “explicit data,” may include, but is notlimited to user-provided data in user profiles, preferences, and/orpromotion purchase history. In some example, “explicit data” may allowthe promotional system to better target promotion types or impressionsto consumers. In some examples, a consumer may be more likely topurchase a promotion if the impression advertising the promotion is ofinterest to the consumer than if the associated promotion was selectedat random.

As used herein, the term “implicit data,” may include, but is notlimited to data that may be user-provided fora purpose other than foruse on the promotional system and/or detected by the promotional system,may allow a promotional system to gather information on consumerbehaviors, preferences, and preferred locations. Example implicit datamay include, but is not limited to data that is indicative of aconsumer's browsing and/or search history, detected location, or theconsumer's social network profile information, for example.

As used herein, the term “consumer device” may include, but is notlimited to a device or module operable to access a website (e.g., usinga web browser), a remote server, or execute a mobile application, suchas a laptop, mobile phone, tablet, personal computer, wearable computer,or the like. A consumer device may place a request, such as in responseto a consumer activity facilitated by a user interface such as, withoutlimitation, clicking a link, selecting particular text or image data,and/or inputting or entering data, touch, gesture, consumer devicemotion such as a shake or flick, eye movement, or the like.

“Aggregation” refers to processes whereby data is gathered,consolidated, formatted, stored, and expressed in summary form or acommon format. “Aggregation” by consumer or “consumer aggregation” mayrefer to gathering, consolidating, formatting, storing, and expressingdata (e.g., searched attributes) associated to a particular consumer.For example, consumer aggregation may include accessing or expressingconsumer search data or searched attributes associated with the consumerreceived from the search system or from a particular consumer device.Similarly, aggregation by location or location aggregation may refer togathering, consolidating, formatting, storing, and expressing data(e.g., consumer search data or searched attributes) associated with aparticular location (e.g., Chicago) or hyper-location (e.g.,Wrigleyville neighborhood of Chicago).

“Determining relevance” may include determining which of a plurality ofconsumer promotions to present to a consumer or identifying a providerlocation associated with a promotion. The plurality of consumerpromotions may be for goods and/or for services.

“Augmented reality” may be a view of a physical, real world, environmentwhose elements are augmented or supplemented by computer generatedsensory input such as sound, video, graphics, location data, or thelike. For example, a view of a street as captured by a camera associatedwith a consumer device which is supplemented with provider locationsassociated with a promotion.

Overview

As connectivity becomes more prevalent in the daily lives of consumers,providers must adapt to provide consumers data in formats thatincorporate the internet, internet accessible devices, connectedtechnologies and other readily available technologies, for example,portable and wearable electronic devices with cameras and locationsensors. Specifically, portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, electronic book readers, laptop computers,personal data assistants (PDA), wearable computers, or the like, mayalso provide information or different interfaces to users other than twodimensional user interfaces, maps, or the like. One such technologyrelates to augmented reality, which in some examples, makes use of thecamera data (or other view related data received from a portable orotherwise wearable device), location data and information from theinternet or other data repository to augment a view, in real time ornear real time, with tagged elements within a captured area.

A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention in orderto generate promotions for viewing one or more available promotions inan augmented reality display or setting. In some examples, a displaythat enables augmented reality, virtual reality or other form of imagetagging may determine a field of view from a camera on a portabledevice, a field of view of a user or consumer as detected by wearabletechnology, a combination of the both and/or the like. Having anindication of a field of view by a current consumer, a device, adisplay, or the like, the method, apparatus, and computer productdescribed herein may then enable or otherwise detect certain elementswithin the view (e.g., the field of view captured by the camera, thecurrent field of view of the camera, or the like) to be tagged orotherwise identified. For example, a consumer looking though a pair ofconnected glasses may have a particular shop or restaurant identified orotherwise tagged in the field of view. Based on an identification of thecertain elements, the method, apparatus, and computer product describedherein may then overlay certain promotions onto the field of view.

In some example embodiments the promotions that are shown usingaugmented reality include each of the promotions that are currentlyavailable via a promotion and marketing service. In some examples, thepromotions displayed are limited using various parameters to provide ausable and navigable augmented reality. For example, if 300 promotionswere available and displayed, the promotions may fill the field of viewand render the augmented reality unusable or confusing. As such, as thenumber of promotions displayed at any given time may be limited. In someexamples, the geographic area of the promotions that are available maybe limited to what the consumer can see, where in other examples thegeographic area may be constrained by proximity. In further examples,certain of the promotions may be highlighted or otherwise emphasizedbased on relevance, such as based on consumer input, consumer searchdata, consumer attributes, consumer input proximity radius, consumerproximity data, promotion start and end times, promotion availability,consumer purchase history, consumer historical location data, weather,environment, number of consumers in a group associated with the consumerdevice, number of views of a promotion or provider location, real timeprovider notice, number of consumer devices within a predeterminedradius of a provider, associated consumer locations, or the like. Inother examples, those promotions that are currently available (e.g., areservation is available) may be identified. Alternatively oradditionally, the promotions that are displayed may include a subset ofpromotions that are available based on relevance, interest, availabilityor the like.

In some examples described herein, augmented reality may be used by thepromotion and marketing service to benefit, in some examples, one ormore providers. In some examples, the promotion and marketing servicemay determine or otherwise ascertain a field of view of a user, acurrent view of a camera, or the like. In such cases, the promotion andmarketing service, the provider, or the like may offer certaindiscounted promotions to entice or otherwise engage the consumer ininstance in which the consumer is currently looking toward the provider.For example, a restaurant having a certain number of current openingsmay offer an additional discounted promotion for consumers who looktheir way. In another example, a loyalty promotion may be offered to aconsumer based on previous purchases from a provider or group ofproviders, based on consumer purchase history. In yet another example, adiscovery incentive may be offered to entice new consumers who havenever purchased from a provider or in a promotion category or neverviewed the promotion or provider location previously, based on consumerpurchase history.

In another example, the promotion parameters may be changed based on thenumber of views of a provider location or promotion. For example, in aninstance in which a consumer has viewed a provider location or promotiona predetermined number of times, the promotion and marketing service maydetermine that the consumer is interested, but may not find the pricefavorable. The promotion parameters may be changed to increase thesavings or lower the purchase price to entice the consumer to purchasethe promotion. For example, a skydiving promotion for $300 dollars maybe changed to $200 on the fourth view. In another example, a promotionmay be based on a real time provider notice. For example, in an instancein which the consumer traffic is low such as a restaurant in theafternoon, the provider may send a real time notice to the promotion andmarketing system providing a limited time promotion at a discount orlarger discount than normal, such as 50% off any meal.

In an example embodiment, social media may be utilized in conjunctionwith the promotions presented in augmented reality. For example, thepromotion and marketing service may access the social media applicationto retrieve consumer profile data used for relevance determinations. Inanother example, the social media may be accessed to retrieve consumerprofile data of associated consumer members of the social media for arelevance determination based on the consumer and/or associated consumerprofile data. In another example in which the promotion presented in theaugmented reality is group based, the promotion may be posted to thesocial media to attract other members of the social media, or the socialmedia or other location application may be accessed to locate associatedmembers of the social media or location application and present thepromotion to the group of consumers. In another example embodiment,social media may be used to post reviews, experiences, pictures,invitations to other consumers, or the like.

In some embodiments, supplementation of the current view may alsoinclude various methods to visibly present the field of view at night orin low visibility, such as fog. For example, the augmented realitydisplayed may supplement the field of view with night vision, infra-redor the like. In another example, the field of view from the camera issubstituted or supplemented with a stored view of the location in thecurrent view from a database, such as a Google Street View®. Thesupplementation of the current view may be accomplished, in someexamples, based on a universal or device clock time associated with duskat the consumer device location, a user input indicating low visibilityor weather data indicating low viability. The visibility supplementationof the augmented reality allows the user to see the field of view aswell as if the field of view had been captured during the day or withoutthe visibility constraint, thus allowing the consumer to see theprovider locations within a visible field of view.

In an example embodiment, a biometric sensor, such as a camera equippedto scan fingerprints or irises, or a microphone for voiceidentification, may be used to collect biometric data associated withthe consumer. The biometric data may be used to access consumer profiledata for use in a relevance determination, forgoing manual entry ofconsumer information or identifiers. In another example, the biometricsensor may receive biometric data of proximate consumers for a relevancedetermination of promotions based on the consumer profile data and/orthe proximate consumer profile data.

In an example embodiment, the field of view may be locked allowing theconsumer to change the camera orientation, without changing the field ofview, such as when the augmented reality is displayed on a smartphone,laptop, or the like. For example, if the consumer captures a field ofview with an arm raised it may be uncomfortable to interact with thedisplayed view and promotions while maintaining this position and/orcamera orientation. The lock of the field of view may be automatic,without user interaction for a predetermined period or locked and/orunlocked by a consumer input, allowing the consumer to change the fieldof view as desired and interacted with the displayed augmented reality.

Alternatively or additionally and in some example embodiments, otherincentives (e.g., points, gifts, credits, discounts, or the like) may beincluded within the displayed augmented reality. For example, in somecases an incentive may be provided to a user in an instance in which theconsumer views a specific promotion, views a particular number ofpromotions, accesses a clue associated with a promotion having apredetermined point value (e.g., consumer may use the augmented realityto search and view the promotion associated with the clue to gain theincentive points), and/or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, augmented reality may be used to displayaccumulated savings for a group of promotions. For example, as aconsumer selects promotions, and in some examples purchases thepromotions, a savings counter may be displayed within the augmentedreality highlighting the savings attained for one or more selectedpromotions. In further examples, by capturing the savings for one ormore selected promotions, additional savings may be applied once asavings threshold is satisfied, a particular number of promotions hasbeen purchased and/or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, augmented reality may be used tofacilitate communication with a promotion and marketing service, a helpdesk, a particular provider, or the like. To facilitate communication,the augmented reality may display a contact link for causing video,audio, or text communications between the consumer and the provider andor the promotion and marketing service, the help desk, and/or theprovider. For example, in an instance in which the promotion purchasefails, a promotion is booked for the incorrect time, the consumerdesires to transfer the promotion to another consumer, or the like, theconsumer may desire to contact a promotion and marketing service, a helpdesk, a particular provider or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, augmented reality may also includeimpressions or the like which include video impression. For example, apromotion for a spa treatment may have a video impression to furtherentice the consumer to purchase the promotion, such as views of amessage, facial, hot tub, or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, location data associated with theconsumer when generating the augmented reality may be accumulated andused to provide consumer information to providers. Consumer locationinformation may then be aggregated or otherwise processed to include thenumber of consumers which have walked by the provider location withoutentering, the number of consumers that did enter the provider location,time spent at the provider location, number of consumer that viewed theprovider location or associated promotions, the number of consumers thatpurchased a promotion from the provider location, or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, the consumer location data may alsoinclude a proximity data that would enable or otherwise facilitate thedisplay of a promotion when a consumer, as defined by their locationdata, is within a specified proximity position. For example, theaugmented reality may display a promotion when the consumer proximitydata is within the proximity position or satisfies a proximity thresholdof the entry to a provider location. In another example, the augmentedreality may display a promotion when the consumer proximity data iswithin the proximity position of the cash register or other check outarea.

Additionally or alternatively, provider webpages, advertisements (e.g.billboards, newspaper, magazine, fliers, business cards, or the like),emails, or the like may include one or more augmented reality cues.Augmented reality cues may be a QR codes, internet links, or otherdedicated interactive stimuli. In an instance in which the augmentedreality cue is read, scanned, selected, or otherwise interacted with,the consumer device may generate an augmented reality based on theaugmented reality cue. The augmented reality based on the augmentedreality cue may display a provider location associated with a promotionwhich is intron associated with the provider originating the augmentedreality cue.

Additionally or alternatively, augmented reality cues may be embeddedinto promotions on promotion and marketing service websites. Forexample, a promotion impression, provider review, promotion review,goods or service review, or the like may include the augmented realitycue. A consumer may scan, read, select, or otherwise interact with theaugmented reality cue to generate an augmented reality displaying aprovider location associated with a promotion adding further context tothe review, provider, promotion, or the like.

System Architecture

The method, apparatus, and computer program product of the presentinvention may be embodied by any of a variety of devices. For example,the method, apparatus, and computer program product of an exampleembodiment may be embodied by a networked device, such as a server orother network entity, configured to communicate with one or moredevices, such as one or more client devices. Additionally oralternatively, the computing device may include fixed computing devices,such as a personal computer or a computer workstation. Still further, anexample embodiment may be embodied by any of a variety of mobileterminals, such as a portable digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone,smartphone, laptop computer, tablet computer, wearable computer, watch,glasses, or any combination of the aforementioned devices.

In this regard, FIG. 1 discloses an example computing system withinwhich embodiments of the present invention may operate. A promotion andmarketing service may manage a promotional system 102 for managing theoffer, purchase, and redemption of a set of promotions. Consumers andmerchants may access the promotional system 102 via a network 112 (suchas the Internet, or the like) using consumer devices 114A-114N, and/orcomputer devices 116A through 116N, respectively. The promotional system102 may comprise a promotional server 104 in communication with apromotional database 106 that stores the set of promotions managed bythe promotion and marketing service. The promotional system may furtherhave access to a consumer profile database 108 that stores consumerattributes which may be used to determine the relevance of eachpromotion stored in the promotional database 106, and a historicaldatabase 110 storing information regarding previously offeredpromotions, redemptions of the promotions, views of the promotions, orthe like. In various embodiments, promotional database 106, consumerprofile database 108, and historical database 110 may be distinctdatabases, or may alternatively refer to a single database. Thepromotional system 102 and/or the user devices 114 may receive locationdata and camera data associated with a consumer device, receive map databased on the location data associated with the consumer device, identifyat least one provider location in a field of view that is associatedwith a promotion, and generate an augmented reality based on the atleast one provider location associated with the promotion and the cameradata, as will be described below.

EXAMPLE APPARATUS

The promotional system 102 or consumer device 114 may be embodied by anapparatus, such as apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG.2, the apparatus 200 may include a processor 202, a memory 204, a userinterface 206, a communications module 208, an augmented reality module209, and a relevance module 205, and may be configured to execute theoperations described below. In some embodiments, the processor 202(and/or co-processor or any other processing circuitry assisting orotherwise associated with the processor) may be in communication withthe memory 204 via a bus for passing information among components of theapparatus. The memory 204 may be non-transitory and may include, forexample, one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories. In otherwords, for example, the memory may be an electronic storage device(e.g., a computer readable storage medium). The memory may be configuredto store information, data, content, applications, instructions, or thelike, for enabling the apparatus to carry out various functions inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

The processor 202 may be embodied in a number of different ways and may,for example include one or more processing devices configured to performindependently. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may includeone or more processors configured in tandem via a bus to enableindependent execution of instructions, pipelining, and/ormultithreading.

In an example embodiment, the processor 202 may be configured to executeinstructions stored in the memory 204 or otherwise accessible to theprocessor. Alternatively or additionally, the processor may beconfigured to execute hard-coded functionality. As such, whetherconfigured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof,the processor 202 may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied incircuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodimentof the present invention while configured accordingly. Alternatively, asanother example, when the processor 202 is embodied as an executor ofsoftware instructions, the instructions may specifically configure theprocessor 202 to perform the algorithms and/or operations describedherein when the instructions are executed.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may include a user interface 206that may, in turn, be in communication with processor 202 to provideoutput to the user and, in some embodiments, to receive an indication ofa user input. As such, the user interface 206 may include a display andmay comprise a web user interface, a mobile application, a clientdevice, a kiosk, or the like. In some embodiments, the user interface306 may also include a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen,touch areas, soft keys, a microphone, a speaker, or other input/outputmechanisms. The processor 202, or user interface circuitry comprisingthe processor 202, may be configured to control one or more functions ofone or more user interface elements through computer programinstructions (e.g., software and/or firmware) stored on a memoryaccessible to the processor (e.g., memory 204, and/or the like).

Meanwhile, the communications module 208 may be any means such as adevice or circuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination ofhardware and software that is configured to receive and/or transmit datafrom/to a network and/or any other device or module in communicationwith the apparatus 200 (e.g., promotional server 104 or, more generally,promotional system 102, other user devices 114 or merchant devices 116,or the like). In this regard, the communication interface may include,for example, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardwareand/or software for enabling communications with a wirelesscommunication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communicationinterface may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s)to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receiptof signals received via the antenna(s). In some environments, thecommunication interface may additionally or alternatively support wiredcommunication. As such, for example, the communication interface mayinclude a communication modem and/or other hardware/software forsupporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL),universal serial bus (USB), or other mechanisms.

The augmented reality module 209 may be configured to cause theprocessor 202 to receive at least camera data, location data, and/or thelike associated with an consumer device, receive map data based on thelocation data associated with the consumer device, identify at least oneprovider location in a field of view that is associated with apromotion, and generate an augmented reality based on the at least oneof provider location and/or camera data, as will be described in greaterdetail below. The augmented reality module 209 may be further configuredto cause the augmented reality to be displayed on the user interface206. In an example embodiment the augmented reality module 209 may befurther configured to cause processor 202 and/or the communicationmodule 208 to receive a proximate consumer indication associated with afirst consumer device which indicates a second consumer device isassociated with the first consumer device (e.g. there are two or moreconsumers associated with the consumer device and they are jointlyseeking a promotion). In an example embodiment, the augmented realitymodule may be further configured to cause the processor 202 to receive aprovider location selection indication, and cause an impressionincluding at least a portion of promotion parameters (e.g. a promotionsummary such as price, provider, savings, or the like) associated withthe selected provider location to be displayed on a user interface 206.In an example embodiment, the augmented reality module 209 may beconfigured to cause the processor 202 to receive a promotion parametersummary selection indication, and cause an impression includingpromotion parameters (e.g. additional promotion parameter details) to bedisplayed on a user interface 206.

The relevance module 205 may be configured to with the augmented realitymodule 209, cause the processer 202 to identify at least one providerlocation in a field of view associated with a promotion. The relevancemodule 205 may be separate in some examples from or integrated with theaugmented reality module 209. In an example embodiment, the relevancemodule 205 may identify at least one provider location within a field ofview associated with a promotion by generating a first ranking ofpromotions, wherein respective promotions are associated with promotionparameters or a provider location, wherein the first ranking ofpromotions is based on correlating a first relevance criteria to thepromotion parameter or the provider location of the respectivepromotions; and comparing the ranking of promotions to a predeterminedrelevancy threshold. In another example embodiment, the relevance module205 may further identify at least one provider location within a fieldof view associated with a promotion by receiving a second relevancecriteria; and generating a second ranking of promotions; wherein thesecond ranking of promotions is generated based on correlating the firstrelevance criteria and the second relevance criteria to the promotionparameters or provider locations of the respective promotions.Additional examples with respect to relevance may be found below in FIG.12.

In an example embodiment, the relevance module 205 may identify at leastone provider location in a field of view associated with a promotionbased on a predetermined number of consumer devices within a proximityradius of a provider. In an example embodiment, the relevance module 205may identify at least one provider location in a field of viewassociated with a promotion based on a real time provider notice (e.g.,short duration and/or impromptu promotion). In another example, therelevance module 205 may identify a provider location in a field of viewassociated with a promotion based on a predetermined number of consumersassociated with the consumer device. In yet another example, therelevance module 205 may identify at least one provider location in afield of view associated with a promotion based on at least one consumerattribute of a consumer profile associated with the consumer device. Instill another example embodiment, the relevance module 205 may identifyat least one provider location in a field of view that is associatedwith a promotion based on at least one consumer search data.

In an example embodiment, the relevance module 205 may identify at leastone provider location within a field of view that is associated with apromotion based on a consumer preference(e.g. likes and/or dislikes, offoods, events, times, days of the week , areas of a city, people, or thelike). In another example, the relevance module 205 may identify atleast one provider location within a field of view that is associatedwith a promotion based on a consumer input (e.g. date, time, indoors,outdoors, wish list, or the like). In an example, the relevance module205 may identify at least one provider location within a field of viewassociated with a promotion based on a proximity radius (e.g. a radialdistance around the consumer device 114 location). In yet anotherexample, the relevance module 205 may identify at least one providerlocation within a field of view associated with a promotion based on apredetermined number of views of a promotion or provider location.

In an example embodiment, the relevance module 205 may identify at leastone provider location within a field of view associated with a promotionbased on weather (e.g. rain, sunny, temperature that may affect thedesirability of indoor or outdoor activities or the travel distance forparticipation in the promotion). In an example, the relevance module 205may identify at least one provider location within a field of viewassociated with a promotion based on environment (e.g. metropolitan,rural, or the like). In another example, the relevance module 205 mayidentify at least one provider location in a field of view that isassociated with a promotion is based on the location data and locationdata associated with an associated consumer (e.g. promotions for morethan one person when there is at least one additional consumer in thearea of the first consumer).

EXAMPLE MAP

Referring now to FIG. 3, an example map 300 is depicted, which may be aportion of a map data, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. The map 300 may include a consumer device location data 302,one or more provider locations 304, and a proximity radius 306. Thepromotional system 102 or consumer device 114 may receive a locationdata 302 associated with a consumer device 114 from a location sensor,such as a global position system (GPS) sensor or proximity sensor, suchas near field communication, bar code reader, Bluetooth® low energy,radio frequency identifier (RFID) reader, or the like. The consumerlocation data may include consumer proximity data from the proximitysensors. The promotional system 102 or consumer device 114 may receive aproximity radius based on consumer input, default values, historicalconsumer preference data, weather, environment, or the like. Thepromotional system 102 or the consumer device 114 may receive map databased on the location data and the proximity radius. The map data mayinclude without limitation, a map of an area associated with theconsumer device location data, provider locations 304 within the maparea, promotion parameter data associated with each provider location.

In an example embodiment, the map data may include the location ofassociated consumers, derived from social media or other applicationswhich incorporate location of members, friends, family, or the like. Thepromotional system 102 or consumer device 114 may access social mediaand/or other location applications through wireless communications toretrieve consumer profile data, associated consumer members profiledata, associated consumer location data, or the like.

In an example embodiment, the location data associated with the consumermay be accumulated and used to provide consumer location information toproviders. Consumer location information may be aggregated or otherwiseprocessed to include the number of consumers which have walked by theprovider location without entering, the number of consumers that didenter the provider location, time spent at the provider location, numberof consumer that viewed the provider location, the number of consumersthat purchased a promotion from the provider location, or the like.

EXAMPLE AUGMENTED REALITIES DISPLAYED ON A USER INTERFACE

FIGS. 4-10 illustrate augmented realities displayed on a user interfacein accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. Theaugmented reality may include a field of view 402, a provider location404, an impression 406, a proximity radius indicator 408, and a searchfield 410. The field of view 402 may be a view of a real worldenvironment based on camera data associated with a consumer device 114.In some embodiments, the camera data may include orientation dataassociated with the consumer device camera data. The orientation datamay include the direction and/or angle the camera associated with theconsumer device is pointing at the time the camera data is captured.

The provider location 404 may be overlaid on the field of view 402indicating the locations of providers associated with a promotion. Theprovider location 404 may include a two dimensional or three dimensionalicons or other indicator of the location of the provider within thefield of view 402. In an example embodiment, the provider location 404may be associated with a color or graphic indicating the type orcategory of goods or service provided by the provider, such as in FIG.4. For example, food and drink graphic or red indicator, health and spagraphic or blue indicator, beauty graphic or green indicator, home andgarden graphic or purple indicator, or the like. In an exampleembodiment, the provider location 404 includes a location on an x,yaxis. For example, in an embodiment in which the provider location 404is on an x,y axis, the provider location icon, may indicate the relativedirection of the provider location within the field of view 402, such asin FIGS. 5 and 8. Additionally or alternatively, the provider location402 may include an elevation on a z axis, in an instance in which themap data includes topographical information or the provider is on asecond or third floor of a building. In this example embodiment , theprovider location 404 icon may be elevated or lowered within the fieldof view 402 to indicate the relative elevation of the provider locationin comparison to the consumer device 114, such as in FIGS. 4, 6, 7, 9and 10. A provider location 404 may be selected by a manually using auser interface, such as by a touch, gesture, consumer device motion, eyemovement, or the like. In an example embodiment, the selection of theprovider location may be made based on the orientation of the consumerdevice camera data, such as selecting the provider location that isclosest to the center of the field of view 402. Additionally oralternatively, the provider location may be selected automatically suchas by scrolling through provider locations within the field of view 402left to right or right to left, based on relevance, or the like.

In an example embodiment, the size of the provider location icon may bebased on the proximity of the provider location relative to the consumerdevice 114 location, for example the provider location icon may belarger the closer the provider location 304 is to the consumer devicelocation 302, such as in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8. In another exampleembodiment, the size of the provider location icon may be based on theselection of a provider location 404 or the next or previously viewed orselected provider location, such as in FIG. 7. In another exampleembodiment, the size of the provider location icon may be based on therelevance of the promotion associated with the provider location 404.For example, if the promotion associated with the provider location 404has a higher relevance it will be larger than provider location iconsassociated with a lower relevance, such as in FIGS. 9 and 10.

The augmented reality may include an impression 406 which includes atleast a portion of the promotion parameters. The impression 406 may bedisplayed as a default impression based on a provider paying a premium,based on relevance such as the highest relevance promotion, or based onthe selection of a provider location, as discussed above. In someembodiments, the impression 406 may include video data. For example, apromotion for a spa treatment may include a video impression to furtherentice the consumer to purchase the promotion, such as views of amessage, facial, hot tub, or the like. The impression 406 may include apromotion parameters summary including the provider name, briefdescription of the promotion, and the price or savings. For example, theimpression may include Amigo's Tea, Tea for four, starting at $21. Insome example embodiments, the promotion parameters summary may include atime period, end time, or time remaining for the promotion. The consumermay purchase or book the promotion from the impression 406, in the formof an instrument, or select the impression 406 to provide more detailedpromotion parameters. In some examples, selection of the promotionparameter summary impression 406 may prompt a display of a purchase ordetails option which may be selected. The consumer may select theimpression 406 of the promotion parameters summary, using the userinterface by a touch, gesture, consumer device motion, eye motion, orthe like. The selection of a promotion parameters summary impression maycause a full promotion parameters impression to be displayed from whichthe promotion may be purchased or booked, in the form of an instrument.

In an example embodiment, the impression 406 in the augmented realitymay include or be associated with pictures reviews, posts, or the likefrom consumers that have purchased the promotion (e.g., from socialmedia, from review sites, from review publications, and/or the like).The reviews, pictures, posts, or the like may be input by a consumerinto a database such as the promotional database 106 and presented as aportion of the impression.

The augmented reality may include a proximity radius indicator 408. Theproximity radius indicator 408 may indicate the relative providerlocations 404 in comparison to the location of the consumer device 114or consumer device location 302. The proximity radius indicator 408 mayalso indicate the provider locations 404 within the field of view 402 byhighlighting the provider locations or area of the proximity radiusindicator that is within the field of view.

In an example embodiment, the consumer device location 302 may include aconsumer proximity data. The augmented reality 402 may display apromotion when the consumer, as identified by the location data, theconsumer proximity data or the like, is within a specified proximityposition. For example, the augmented reality 402 may display a promotionwhen the consumer proximity data is within the proximity position of theentry to a provider location 404. In another example, the augmentedreality may display a promotion when the consumer proximity data iswithin the proximity position of the cash register or other check outarea at a provider location 404.

The augmented reality may include a search field 410. A “search” mayinclude operations performed by a consumer or other user via a clientdevice, wherein text, parameters, tags, or other terms are searchedagainst one or more electronically stored documents, data entries,records, files, or the like. In some embodiments, a “search” may beperformed by navigating a hierarchical data structure, such as a datastructure organized by location/hyper-location or category/sub-category.In some embodiments, portions of a search string may be pre-populated(e.g., a location or hyper-location portion) by the client device orother processing circuitry. In some embodiments, a search may beperformed using a single field or any array of fields.

The search may be executed by a “search system” running on the clientdevice, which may include a search engine configured to search forinformation on the World Wide Web (www) or on a remote server. In someembodiments, the “search engine” may be configured to search forinformation hosted via a website or a web server of an application, andto provide “search results.” “Search results” may be transmitted orotherwise provided for display to the consumer or other user via theclient device as a list of information (e.g., list of web pages, imagesor the like) related to the search. The search system may be configuredsuch that particular promotions may be offered to consumers based onrelevance determinations. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/829,581, which is entitled “Promotional system”, was filed Mar. 14,2013, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety,algorithms are disclosed for providing consumers relevant promotions inresponse to consumer initiated searches.

“Consumer search data” may include one or more search terms (e.g., text,characters, etc.) that are input by consumers into an interface (e.g.,one or more fields displayed by a graphical user interface) of thesearch system. The consumer search data is used by the search system,perhaps in connection with other data or terms (e.g., pre-populateddata, categories, etc.), to execute the search. In some embodiments,consumer search data is stored with an association to consumeridentification information (e.g., a consumer ID).

Consumer search data may be translated or otherwise identified by thesearch system as “searched attributes”. “Searched attributes” may beparts of a promotion to which the consumer search data is translated orconverted to. For example, if a consumer searches “Chinese restaurant”,“Chinese restaurant” may be the consumer search data. Embodiments of thepresent invention may store a “searched attribute” for one or more of acategory (e.g., “food and drink”), a sub-category (e.g., “Asiancuisine”), a deal type (e.g., “date night”) or the like. In someembodiments, translation to “searched attributes” is performed in thecase of misspellings (e.g., “Chinese restaurant”), partial input (e.g.,“Chinese rest”), or the like.

Consumer search data may further include sorting functions includingwithout limitation, popularity, alphabetical, price, time remaining forpromotions, distance from a predetermined location such as home,distance form current location, zip code, or the like.

The consumer may input consumer search data into the search field 410 tonarrow the provider locations displayed or which provider locations aredisplayed. In an example embodiment, the search field may include asearch field menu which may allow the consumer to enter consumerpreferences such as categories of promotions to display or not display,proximity radius, method of travel, promotion times, number of people ina group, or the like. The search field may alternatively or additionallyinclude a search field menu which may allow the consumer to enterconsumer infotination that may include gender, age, interests, maritalstatus, number of children and ages, or the like. The inputs into thesearch field may be used to determine the relevance of each of theavailable provider locations, and then identify and display a subset ofthe available provider locations associated with a promotion.

In an example embodiment, the search field 410 may indicate the statusof identifying provider locations associated with a promotion, such asin FIG. 5. In another example the search field 410 may indicate thenumber of provider locations associated with a promotion found and/ordisplayed, such as in FIGS. 6-10

In an example embodiment, the augmented reality may be configured tovisibly display the field of view 402 at night or in low visibility suchas fog. In an example, the augmented reality may supplement the cameradata field of view with infrared image providing an overlay of the fieldof view that is visible at night or in low visibility, as depicted inFIG. 11. In another example, the augmented reality may supplement orsubstitute the field of view 402 with a stored image of the field ofview from a database, such as Google Street View® based on the consumerdevice 114 location and camera orientation. In some examples, avisibility supplementation of the augmented reality may be based on aconsumer device or universal clock indication of dusk at the currentlocation associated with the consumer device. In another example, thevisibility supplementation may be based on a user input of lowvisibility. In another example, the visibility supplementation may bebased on weather data associated with the current location of theconsumer device.

In an example embodiment, the field of view 402 of the augmented realitymay lock to allow consumer interaction with the field of view inpositions other than the camera data capture position. The field of viewmay lock automatically for a predetermined duration or by be locked andunlocked by consumer input. For example, if the consumer captures acamera data field of view 402 with an arm raised it may be uncomfortableto interact with the displayed view and promotions while maintainingthis position and/or camera orientation. The field of view may be lockedallowing the consumer to lower the consumer device and interact with theaugmented reality, regardless of the camera orientation.

In an example embodiment, other incentives (e.g., points, gifts,credits, discounts, or the like) may be included within the displayedaugmented reality 402. For example, in some cases an incentive may beprovided to a user in an instance in which the consumer views a specificpromotion, views a particular number of promotions, accesses a clueassociated with a promotion having a predetermined point value (e.g.,consumer may use the augmented reality 402 to search and view thepromotion associated with the clue to gain the incentive points), and/orthe like.

In an example embodiment, the augment reality 402 displays accumulatedsavings for a group of promotions. For example, as the consumer selectspromotions, and in some examples purchases the promotions, a savingscounter may be displayed within the augmented reality 402 highlightingthe savings attained for one or more selected promotions. In furtherexamples, by capturing the savings for one or more selected promotions,additional savings may be applied once a savings threshold is satisfied,a particular number of promotions has been purchased and/or the like.

In an example embodiment, the augmented reality 402 may facilitatecommunication with the promotion and marketing service, help desk, aparticular provider, or the like. To facilitate the communication, theaugmented reality 402 may display a contact link to cause video, audio,or text communications between the consumer and the provider, thepromotion and marketing service, help desk, or the like. For example, inan instance in which the promotion purchase fails, a promotion is bookedfor the incorrect time, the consumer desires to transfer the promotionto another consumer, or the like, the consumer may desire to contact theprovider, the promotion and marketing service, help desk, or the like.

In an example embodiment, an augmented reality may be generated inresponse to an augmented reality cue associated with provider webpages,advertisements (e.g. billboards, newspaper, magazine, fliers, businesscards, or the like), emails, or the like may include one or moreaugmented reality cues. Augmented reality cues may be a QR codes,interne links, or other dedicated interactive stimuli. In an instance inwhich the augmented reality cue is read, scanned, selected, or otherwiseinteracted with, the consumer device may generate an augmented realitybased on the augmented reality cue. The augmented reality based on theaugmented reality cue may display a provider location within a field ofview associated with a promotion which is, in turn, associated with theprovider originating the augmented reality cue.

In an example embodiment, augmented reality cues could be embedded intopromotions on promotion and marketing service websites. For example, apromotion impression, provider review, promotion review, goods orservice review, or the like may include the augmented reality cue. Aconsumer device may scan, read, select, or otherwise interact with theaugmented reality cue to generate an augmented reality displaying aprovider location within a field of view associated with a promotionadding further context to the review, provider, promotion, or the like.

EXAMPLE PROCESS FOR GENERATION OF PROMOTION IN AN AUGMENTED REALITY

Referring now to FIG. 12, the operations performed, such as by theapparatus 200 of FIG. 2, for generation of a promotion in an augmentedreality are illustrated. As shown in block 1202 of FIG. 12, theapparatus may include means, such as an augmented reality module 209,processor 202, communications interface 206, or the like, for receivingcamera data.

In some examples, the augmented reality module 209 may be configured tocause the processor 202 to receive camera data from a camera associatedwith the consumer device 114. In an example embodiment the camera datamay include orientation data associated with the consumer device 114,for example the direction and/or angle the camera is pointed during thecapture of the camera data. The processor 202 may receive the cameradata from the communications interface 206 or from the camera associatedwith the consumer device 114.

As shown in block 1204 of FIG. 12, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as an augmented reality module 209, processor 202, communicationsinterface 206, or the like, for receiving location data. The locationdata may be generated by a location sensor, such as a global positionsensor or other method of determining position, which is associated withthe consumer device 114. The location data may be associated with thecamera data that is received at block 1202.

As shown in Block 1206 of FIG. 12, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as a processor 202, communications interface 206 or the like forreceiving map data. The map data may include a two dimensional or threedimensional representation of an area based on the location data. Thearea of the map data may be based on a default radius around theconsumer device 114 location, a consumer input radius, environment,weather, or the like. In an example embodiment, the radius may adjustbased on the environment or a selected mode of travel. For example in aninstance in which the user device location is in a metropolitan area orthe method of travel selected is walking, a smaller radius may be set.In an instance in which the environment is a small town or rural area orthe method of travel selected is motorized, the radius may be larger.The map data may include, without limitation, the consumer devicelocation 302, provider locations 304 associated with a currentpromotion, topographical data, or the like.

As shown in block 1208 of FIG. 12, the apparatus 200 may, include means,such as an augmented reality module 209, relevance module 205, processor202, or the like, for identifying at least one provider location withina field of view 402 associated with a promotion. The augmented realitymodule 209 may be configured, in conjunction with the relevance module205, to cause the processor 202 to identify all or a sub-set of theprovider locations associated with a promotion provided in the map data.The augmented reality module 209, relevance module 205, processor 202,or the like may identify the subset of provider locations based onrelevance criteria, such as predetermined number of consumer devices 114within a proximity radius of a consumer device, a real time providernotice, a predetermined number of consumers associated with a userequipment, consumer attribute from a consumer profile, consumer searchdata, consumer preferences, consumer input, a consumer input proximityradius, promotion times, number of views of the promotion or providerlocation, weather, environment, or the like.

The augmented reality module 209 and/or the relevance module 205 maycause the processor 202 to use one or more of the relevance criteria toidentify at least one provider location within a field of view 402associated with a promotion. The augmented reality module 209 and/or therelevance module 205 may cause the processor 202 to identify a firstrelevance ranking of promotions, and further or second relevancerankings of promotion to narrow the identified provider locations.Additional examples of methods for identifying provider locationsassociated with a promotion based on relevance criteria are provided inFIG. 12.

As shown in block 1210 of FIG. 12, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the likefor generating an augmented reality. The augmented reality module 209may be configured to cause the processor 202 to generate an augmentedreality. Augmented reality, when displayed on a user interface mayinclude a field of view 402 (as shown in FIGS. 4-10), a providerlocation 404, an impression 406, a proximity radius indicator 408, and asearch field 410. The field of view 402 may be a view of a real worldenvironment based on camera data associated with a consumer device 114.In some embodiments, the camera data may include orientation dataassociated with the consumer device camera data.

The provider location 404 may be overlaid on the field of view 402indicating the locations of providers associated with a currentpromotion. The provider location 404 may include an icon or otherindicator of the location of the provider within the field of view 402.In an example embodiment, the provider location 404 may be associatedwith a color or graphic indicating the type or category of goods orservice provided by the provider. For example, in some examples a foodand drink graphic or red indicator may be shown, whereas in otherexamples other categories may use other indicator, such as a health andspa graphic or blue indicator, beauty graphic or green indicator, homeand garden graphic or purple indicator, or the like. In an exampleembodiment, the provider location 404 include a location on an x,y axis.For example in an embodiment in which the provider location 404 is on anx,y axis the provider location icon may indicate the relative directionof the provider location within the field of view. Additionally oralternatively, the provider location 402 may include an elevation on a zaxis, in an instance in which the map data includes topographicalinformation or the provider is on a second or third floor of a building.In this example embodiment the provider location 404 icon may beelevated or lowered within the field of view 402 to indicate therelative elevation of the provider location in comparison to theconsumer device 114.

In an example embodiment, the size of the provider location icon may bebased on the proximity of the provider location 304 relative to theconsumer device location 302, for example the provider location icon maybe larger the closer the provider location is to the consumer devicelocation. In example embodiments, the size provider location icon may bebased on the selection of a provider location, the next or previouslyviewed or selected provider location, the relevance of the promotionassociated with the provider location, the distance from the consumerlocation, or the like. For example, if the promotion associated with theprovider location has a higher relevance it will be larger than providerlocation icons associated with a lower relevance.

The proximity radius indicator 408 may indicate the relative providerlocations 404 in comparison to the location of the consumer device 114.The proximity radius indicator 408 may also indicate the providerlocations 404 within the field of view 402 by highlighting the providerlocations or area of the proximity radius indicator that is within thefield of view.

The consumer may input consumer search data into the search field 410 tofurther narrow the provider locations displayed or which providerlocations are displayed. In an example embodiment, the search field 410may include a search field menu which may allow the consumer to enterconsumer preferences, and other consumer information. Consumerpreferences may include categories of promotions to display or notdisplay, proximity radius, method of travel, promotion times, number ofpeople in a group, or the like. Consumer information may include gender,age, interests, marital or relationship status, number of children andages, or the like. The inputs into the search field may be used todetermine the relevance of each of the available provider locations, andthen identify and display a subset of the available provider locationsassociated with a current promotion.

As shown in block 1212 of FIG. 12, the apparatus may include means, suchas an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, a communicationsinterface 206, a user interface 208, or the like, for causing thedisplay of the augmented reality on a user interface. The augmentedreality module 209 may be configured to cause the processor 202 to causethe augmented reality to be displayed on a user interface 209. In anexample embodiment, the augmented reality module 209 may cause theprocessor 202 to cause the communications module 206 to transmit theaugmented reality to a consumer device 114 for display on the consumerdevice user interface. Example augmented realities are shown displayedon a user interface depicted in FIGS. 4-10.

As shown in block 1214 of FIG. 12, the apparatus 200 may include meanssuch as an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, a userinterface 208, or the like for receiving a provider location selectionindication. A provider location 404 may be selected by manually using auser interface 208, such as by a touch, gesture, consumer device motion,eye movement, or the like, of a consumer. In an example embodiment, theselection of the provider location 404 may be made based on theorientation of the consumer device camera data, such as selecting theprovider location that is closest to the center of the field of view.

Additionally or alternatively, the provider location 404 may be selectedautomatically such as by scrolling through provider locations within thefield of view left to right or right to left, based on relevance, or thelike. The augmented reality module 209 may cause the processor 202 toreceive the provider location selection indication from the userinterface 208 or the communications interface 206. In an exampleembodiment in which the provider location selection indication isreceived from the communications interface 208, the communicationsinterface 208 may receive the provider location selection indicationfrom the consumer device 114 through wireless communication.

As shown in block 1216 of FIG. 12, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as an augmented reality module 209, a processer 202, a userinterface 208, a communications interface 206, or the like for causingthe display of an impression 406 including at least a portion ofpromotion parameters. The impression 406 may be displayed as a defaultimpression based on a provider paying a premium, based on relevance suchas the highest relevance promotion, or based on the selection of aprovider location, as discussed above. The impression 406 may include apromotion parameters summary including the provider name, briefdescription of the promotion, and the price or savings. For example, theimpression may include Amigo's Tea, Tea for four, starting at $21. Insome example embodiments, the promotion parameters summary may include atime period, end time, or time remaining for the promotion. A consumermay purchase or book a promotion, in the form of an instrument, from thepromotion parameter summary impression 406 or select the impression todisplay further promotion parameters or details as discussed in blocks1218 and 1220.

As shown in block 1218 of FIG. 12, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, a userinterface 208, a communications interface 206, or the like for receivinga promotion parameter summary selection indication. The consumer mayselect the impression 406 of the promotion parameters summary, using theuser interface 208 of the consumer device 114 by a touch, gesture,consumer device motion, eye motion, or the like. The augmented realitymodule 209 may be configured to cause the processor 202 to receive thepromotion parameter summary selection indication. The processor 202 mayreceive the promotion parameter summary selection indication from theuser interface 206 or the communications interface 206. Thecommunications interface 206 may receive the promotion parameter summaryindication from a consumer device 114 through wireless communication.

As shown in block 1220 of FIG. 12, the apparatus 200 may include means,such as an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, a userinterface 208, a communications module 206, or the like for causing thedisplay of an impression including the promotion parameters. Theaugmented reality module 209 may be configured to cause the processor202 to cause the display of an impression which includes all of thepromotion parameters on the user interface 208, from which the consumermay purchase or book the promotion, in the form of an instrument. In anexample embodiment, the processor 202 may cause the communicationsinterface 208 to transmit the impression including the promotionparameters to the consumer device 114 for display on a user interface208.

In an example embodiment, receiving a promotion parameter summaryindication may cause the augmented reality module 209 to cause theprocessor 202 to display a purchase now or further details prompt. In aninstance in which the consumer selects the further details prompt, theprocessor may display an impression as described in block 1220 otherwisethe consumer may purchase the promotion at block 1216.

EXAMPLE PROCESS FOR IDENTIFYING PROVIDER LOCATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ACURRENT PROMOTION BASED ON RELEVANCE

FIG. 13 shows an example process that may, in some embodiments, beexecuted by an example augmented reality module 209 and/or a relevancemodule 205 in association with a processor 202. The exemplary processshown below in FIG. 13 allows various embodiments of the presentinvention to identify promotion locations within a field of viewassociated with a promotion that are relevant to a particular consumer.In other words, FIG. 13 shows a general process for identifying relevantpromotions and provider locations for outputting to, for example, aconsumer via an augmented reality.

In general, relevance may include an analysis to determine whichpromotion(s) to offer to the consumer for a product or a service. Insome embodiments, a relevance system may be configured for determiningwhich of a plurality of promotions to present to a consumer. Theplurality of promotions may be for goods and/or for services. Thepromotion may be offer as an impression through an augmented reality asdiscussed above.

In order for the relevance module 205 to identify the one or morepromotions for the augmented reality, the relevance module 205 maydetermine whether to offer particular promotion(s) to a targetedconsumer, by identifying the provider locations 404 associated with thepromotions. As such, as shown in block 1302 of FIG. 13, an apparatus 200may include means, such as a relevance module 205, an augmented realitymodule 209, a processor 202, or the like for generating a first rankingof promotions for presentation to a consumer. In some embodiments, eachof the promotions is associated with promotion parameters. In someembodiments, the first ranking may be generated based on correlating afirst relevance criteria to the promotion parameters of each of thepromotions. The relevance criteria may include without limitation, apredetermined number of consumer devices 114 within a proximity radiusof a consumer device, consumer proximity data, a real time providernotice, start and end time of a promotion, a predetermined number ofconsumer devices within a proximity radius of a provider location, apredetermined number of consumers associated with a user equipment,consumer attributes from a consumer profile, consumer search data,consumer preferences, consumer input, a consumer input proximity radius,promotion times, number of views of the promotion or provider location,weather, environment , such as rural or metropolitan, or the like.

In an example embodiment, the relevance module 205, an augmented realitymodule 209, a processor 202, or the like may use one or more of therelevance criteria to generate a first ranking of promotions. In anexample embodiment, the relevance module 205, an augmented realitymodule 209, a processor 202, or the like may use the number of consumersassociated with a consumer device or proximate consumer indication togenerate the first ranking of promotions. The number of consumersassociated with the consumer device may be based on a consumer inputsuch as a group number. The relevance module 205, an augmented realitymodule 209, a processor 202, or the like may provide promotions forwhich the promotion parameters are conducive to multiple consumers, suchas dinner for two, tea for four, buy two get one free. The relevancemodule 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or thelike may also generate a first ranking of promotions in which thepromotion parameters of the promotions are specified for a singleconsumer, but there are multiple available appointments or slots, suchas haircut for $10 with four available times. The processor 202 mayexclude promotions which are for groups smaller than the number ofconsumers associated with the consumer device 114.

In another example, the number of consumers associated with a consumerdevice may be based on a proximate consumer indication. A proximateindication is an indication that is received by the consumer device 114that there is a second consumer associated with a second consumer devicenear the consumer. The apparatus 200 may include means, such as anaugmented reality module 209, processor 202, communications interface206, or the like for receiving a proximate consumer indication. Theproximate consumer indication may be a wireless communication, such asWi-Fi, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), near field communication (NFC), orthe like indicating a second consumer device 114 associated with thefirst consumer device is present within a predetermined proximity range.For example, the first and second consumer devices 114 may be configuredto communicate an association based on a relationship when specifiedapplications are executed on the consumer device or whenever theconsumer devices are in proximity, or upon a consumer request toassociate. Some example relationships may include, without limitation,parents and children, spouses, friends, co-workers, or the like. Theaugmented reality module 209 may be configured to cause the processor202 to receive the proximate consumer indication from the communicationsinterface 206. The communications interface 206 may receive theproximate consumer indication from the second consumer device 114 orfrom the first consumer device through wireless communication.

In an example embodiment, the relevance module 205, an augmented realitymodule 209, a processor 202, or the like may use other consumer locationdata to generate the first ranking of promotions. The relevance module205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the like mayuse the locations of associated consumers derived from social media orother friend or family location applications. The relevance module 205,an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the like maygenerate a first ranking of promotions in which the promotion parametersof the promotions include a consumer and/or one or more of theassociated consumers, such as the consumer and one associated consumer.The relevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor202, or the like may not provide promotions which the promotionparameters include a group larger than the total number of associatedconsumers and the consumer. For example, if there are three associatedconsumers, the provided promotions may include promotions for 1-4consumers, but not promotions for 5 or more consumers.

In an example embodiment the relevance criteria may be a real timeprovider notice. The relevance module 205, an augmented reality module209, a processor 202, or the like may generate a first ranking ofpromotions based on the real time provider notice. A provider may have aslow period of business and provide a real time notice that consumersmay receive a promotion within a short specified time period. Forexample, a provider may provide a real time notice for a late lunchspecial 50% off at 3 in the afternoon, within a one hour duration. Therelevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202,or the like may provide the promotion during the promotion period.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be a consumerattribute from a consumer profile. The consumer profile may be stored ina memory 204 such as the consumer profile database 108. The relevancemodule 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or thelike may receive the consumer attribute from the memory 204. Theprocessor 202 may use the consumer parameter to generate a first rankingof promotions. The consumer profile parameters may include, gender, age,race, group affiliations, relationships with other consumers, purchasehistory, historical location data, such as locations visited and routestaken, preferences, important dates, such as anniversaries andbirthdays, or the like. The processor 202 may use one or more of theconsumer attributes to generate the first ranking list. For example, therelevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202,or the like may use an important data, such as a birthday of a spouseand historical location data, to provide promotions for gifts orservices that could be used as a birthday present, such as flowers forhalf off, jewelry, or the like. In another example, the relevance module205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the like mayuse purchase history to provide promotions similar to promotionsincluding products or services that the consumer has previouslypurchased or promotions with larger discounts to reward or enticeprevious and future purchases associated with provider. In anotherexample, the relevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209, aprocessor 202, or the like may use a consumer attribute such asrelationship data, for example, married or in a relationship to providepromotions that may be more desirable to a couple and not providepromotions that may be more desirable to a single person. For example,if the relationship parameters indicated that the consumer was married,the provided promotions may include promotions for romantic activitiesor couples activities such as dinners, events, or the like for couples.In the same example, the provided promotion may not include promotionstargeted for singles, such as discounted drinks at a singles bar, ordating services.

In an example embodiment, the processor 202 may determine the consumerprofile based on biometric data received from the consumer device. Thebio metric data may identify a consumer or associated consumer and thegenerating a ranking of promotions may be based one or more consumerattributes of the consumer, associated consumer, or both. Biometric datamay include fingerprints or iris scans from a camera associated with theconsumer device, voice recognition from a microphone associated with thedevice, or the like. Using biometric data to identify the consumerand/or associated consumers allows the consumers to forgo manual loggingin to the promotional system 102.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be a consumerpreference. The relevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209, aprocessor 202, or the like may receive the consumer preference from auser interface 208, a memory 204, a communications interface 206, or thelike. The consumer preferences may be entered by a consumer using theuser interface 208 or determined based on previous purchases. Theconsumer preferences may be stored in a memory 204, such as a consumerprofile database. The communications interface 206 may receive theconsumer preferences from a consumer device 114 through wirelesscommunication. The relevance module 205, an augmented reality module209, a processor 202, or the like may generate a first ranking ofpromotions based on the consumer preferences to provide promotions inwhich a promotion parameter is preferred and exclude promotions in whicha promotion parameter is not preferred. For example, the consumerpreference may indicate that the consumer prefers Chinese food and doesnot prefer fast food; the provided promotions may include Chinese andother restaurants, but not include fast food restaurants.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be consumer searchdata. The consumer may enter search data using a user interface 208. Therelevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202,or the like may receive the consumer search data from the user interface208. The processor 202 may use the consumer search data to generate afirst ranking of promotions. The consumer search data may be any inputinto the search field 410. For example, the consumer may enter into thesearch field 410 on the user interface 208, “pizza”. The relevancemodule 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or thelike may provide promotions in which a promotion parameter is pizza orthe provider location is associated with pizza. Further, the relevancemodule 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or thelike may return results for when the consumer search data is misspelled,abbreviated, or is a partial entry. For example, the processor mayprovide promotions for “pizza” when the entered search criteria is“pissa”, “pitza”, “pizz” or “pizza”.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be consumer input.The consumer input may be received by a user input 208. The relevancemodule 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or thelike may receive the consumer input from the user interface 208. Therelevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202,or the like may generate a first ranking of promotions based on theconsumer input. Consumer input may be method of travel, time of day, dayof the week, date, or the like in which the consumer wants toparticipate in a promotion. For example, the consumer may want to eatdinner at 6 pm. The relevance module 205, an augmented reality module209, a processor 202, or the like may exclude promotions from the firstranking list that end prior to 6 pm and/or start after 7 pm. In anexample in which the consumer input is method of travel, the processormay adjust the proximity radius for promotions. For example, if theconsumer is walking, there may be a smaller radius than if the consumerwas driving. In an example embodiment in which the consumer does notspecify an alternative time or date, the relevance module 205, anaugmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the like may use thecurrent time and date and provide promotions which are currentlyavailable. In another example, the consumer input may be a wish list.For example, the consumer may input promotions, goods, services or thelike that they are interested in purchasing. The wish list may includepromotions, goods, services, or the like for which a promotion iscurrently offered, or a promotion may be offered in the future. Therelevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202,or the like may use the wish list consumer input and provide promotionswhen they become available.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be a consumer inputproximity radius. The consumer input proximity radius may be received bya user interface 208. The relevance module 205, an augmented realitymodule 209, a processor 202, or the like may receive the consumer inputproximity radius from the user interface 208. The relevance module 205,an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the like maygenerate a first ranking of promotions based on the consumer inputproximity radius. For example, the consumer may input a proximity radiusof ¼ mile, 1 mile, 10, miles or any other radial distance. The relevancemodule 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or thelike may provide promotions that have provider locations within theproximity radius.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may further compriseconsumer proximity data. The consumer proximity data may be received bythe communications interface 206. The relevance module 205, an augmentedreality module 209, a processor 202, or the like may receive theconsumer proximity data from the communications interface 206. Therelevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202,or the like may generate a first ranking of promotions based on theconsumer proximity data. The relevance module 205, an augmented realitymodule 209, a processor 202, or the like may provide promotions when theconsumer proximity data is within a specified proximity position. Forexample, a promotion may be provided when the consumer proximity data iswithin the proximity position of the entry to a provider location 404.In another example, a promotion may be provided when the consumerproximity data is within the proximity position of the cash register orother check out area.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be promotion times.The relevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor202, or the like may use the promotion start and end times to generate afirst ranking of promotions. For example, the processor may only providepromotions that are currently available or will be available in a shortperiod of time, and exclude promotions that have expired or have notstarted yet or will not start within a short period of time. For examplethe processor may provide reservations at restaurants, hairstylists,spas, or the like available now or within the next hour. In anotherembodiment, the processor may also use consumer input such as a dateand/or time to generate a ranking of promotions. For example, theconsumer may input a Feb. 1, 2014 at 12 PM. The relevance module 205, anaugmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the like may providepromotions that are available during that time and date, e.g. start andend time of the promotion or near that time or date. For example, if theconsumer entered a time/date of February 5 at 6 pm, the relevance module205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the like mayprovide promotions for dinner, events, activities or the like availableat 5, 6 or 7 PM. In another example embodiment the time and date may bea range to time and/or dates, such as February 1-3; 5-7 PM. Theprocessor may provide promotions for which the promotion parametersinclude start or end times occurring within the range of dates and/ortimes.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be a predeterminednumber of consumer devices within a proximity radius of a providerlocation. For example, a provider may limit a promotion to times thathave higher traffic or lower traffic, which may be indicated by thenumber of consumer devices in the proximity radius of a providerlocation. In an example embodiment, the promotion is available when thenumber of consumer devices satisfies a predetermined number. Forexample, if the predetermined number of consumer device s 114 is set to5, such as at a low traffic time, in an instance in which there wereonly 4 consumer devices within the proximity radius of the providerlocation the predetermined number would be satisfied and the promotionwould be available.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be the number ofviews of a promotion or provider location. The relevance module 205, anaugmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the like may use thenumber of views of the promotion or provider location to generate thefirst ranking of promotions. In an example embodiment, the promotion mayhave a parameter to display the promotion a predetermined number oftimes, such as one, two, three or any other number of views. Therelevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202,or the like may provide promotions that have not exceeded the number ofviews. For example the provider may offer a larger discount for firsttime clients or first view of the promotion or promotions associatedwith a provider location. In an example embodiment, the promotion mayhave a parameter which allows the display of a promotion after apredetermined number of views of an associated promotion or providerlocation. The promotion may be displayed if a consumer has viewed anassociated promotion or provider location and not purchased or booked apromotion a predetermined number of times, such as two, three or anyother number of views, indicating that the consumer may be interested inthe promotion at a lower price. For example, if a consumer has viewed apromotion twice without purchase or booking, an associated promotion maybe displayed with a lower price or alternative goods or services.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be weather. Theweather may be received by the relevance module 205, an augmentedreality module 209, a processor 202, or the like from a weather databaseor entered by the consumer using the user interface 208. The relevancemodule 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or thelike may use the weather to generate a first ranking of promotions. Theweather may include the temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudcover, sunrise and sunset, or the like. The processor 202 may providepromotions that may be more desirable in the current or predictedweather conditions. For example, in an instance in which the weather iswarm and sunny, the processor 202 may provide promotions that occuroutside, or have an outdoor option, such as outdoor sports andactivities, patio dining, outdoor concerts, or the like. In an example,in which the weather is cold and cloudy, the relevance module 205, anaugmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the like may providepromotions that occur indoors, such as dining in, theatre, indoorconcerts and sporting events, or the like.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be the type ofenvironment associated with the location, such as rural or metropolitan.The relevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209, a processor202, or the like may use the environment to generate the first rankingof promotions. The environment may adjust the proximity radius forpromotions. In a metropolitan area the relevance module 205, anaugmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the like may reducethe proximity radius due to density of the promotions and providerlocations and the travel time required to reach more distant providerlocations. In a rural area the relevance module 205, an augmentedreality module 209, a processor 202, or the like may increase theproximity radius due to the lower promotion and provider locationdensity and the travel time to reach more distant provider locations.

In an example embodiment, the relevance criteria may be an augmentedreality cue. The relevance module 205, an augmented reality module 209,a processor 202, or the like may use the augmented reality cue togenerate the first ranking of promotions. The relevance module 205, anaugmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the like may provide apromotion or promotions associated with the advertisement, provider,website, review, promotions, or the like associated with the augmentedreality cue.

In an example embodiment, the apparatus 200 may determine whether topresent promotion(s) by assigning a score to each of the promotions.Example methods for assigning scores to promotions are disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/411,502 and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/644,352, both of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties. The promotion score may be, for example, anindication of a probability that the consumer will purchase therespective promotion. In addition or alternatively, the promotion scoremay be a representation of a relevance the respective promotion has withthe consumer.

In some embodiments, after promotions are assigned their respectivepromotion scores, the highest scoring promotions may be identified forinclusion in the augmented reality. However, in some embodiments, therelevance module 205 and/or augmented reality module 209 may cause theprocessor 202 to further utilize a second relevance criteria. The secondrelevance criteria may be specified by the consumer or the promotionalsystem 102 after the generation of the first ranking. For example, thefirst relevance criteria may include pre-entered preferences, andhistorical data, the second relevance criteria may include updatedrelevance criteria, consumer input, change in consumer location, or thelike. As such, as shown in block 1304 of FIG. 13, an apparatus, includemeans such as a relevance module 205 and/or augmented reality module209, a processor 202, or the like for receiving a second relevancecriteria from a consumer device 114 or the promotional system 102.

In some embodiments, the augmented reality may have limited space todisplay provider locations 404 within the field of view 402. In anexample embodiment the provider location icons size may be associatedwith the level or desirability or relevance. For example, providerlocations that have a higher relevance or desirability may have alarger. This is because a consumer that views the augmented reality hasa greater likelihood of viewing impressions that are displayed withlarger icons than with smaller icons. Further, displaying a large numberof provider locations associated with a promotion may be too clutteredto view or use. Therefore the processor 202 may further rank thepromotions using a second relevance criteria. Accordingly, as shown inblock 1306 of FIG. 13, an apparatus 200, may include means such as arelevance module 205, augmented reality module 209, a processor 202, orthe like for generating a second ranking of promotions for presentationto the consumer, wherein the second ranking is generated based on thecorrelating the second relevance criteria to the promotion parameters ofeach of the promotions in a manner as discussed in block 402.

In some embodiments, a number of provider locations associated withpromotions for inclusion in the augmented reality may be set such thatonly the top number n of promotions having the highest promotion scoresare included. In an example embodiment, a consumer may select to displaymore, less, or the next set of promotions using the user interface 208.In other embodiments, only those promotions meeting a predefinedthreshold are included. As such, as shown in block 1308 of FIG. 13, anapparatus 200 may include means, such as a relevance module 205, anaugmented reality module 209, a processor 202, or the like, forcomparing the second ranking of promotions to a relevancy threshold.Furthermore, as shown in block 1310 of FIG. 12, an apparatus 200, mayinclude means such as an augmented reality module 209, relevance module205 a processor 202, or the like, for identifying at least a portion ofthe second ranking based on the comparison.

Additional descriptions of relevance determination algorithms foridentifying promotions relevant to a consumer that may be usedalternatively or additionally are described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/411,502, filed Mar. 2, 2012, titled “RELEVANCE SYSTEM FORCONSUMER DEALS”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/829,581 entitled“PROMOTIONAL SYSTEM” and filed on Mar. 14, 2013, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/776,028, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,355,948, titled“SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DISCOUNT RETAILING” filed on May 7, 2010, theentirety of each is incorporated by reference herein.

As will be appreciated, computer program code and/or other instructionsmay be loaded onto a computer, processor or other programmableapparatus's circuitry to produce a machine, such that execution of thecode on the machine by the computer, processor, or other circuitrycreates the means for implementing various functions, including thosedescribed herein.

As described above and as will be appreciated based on this disclosure,embodiments of the present invention may be configured as methods,mobile devices, backend network devices, and the like. Accordingly,embodiments may comprise various means including entirely of hardware ora combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, embodiments maytake the form of a computer program product on at least onecomputer-readable storage medium having computer-readable programinstructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium.Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, includingnon-transitory hard disks, CD-ROMs, flash memory, optical storagedevices, magnetic storage devices, or the like.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described above withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,apparatuses, systems and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the circuit diagrams and processflowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the circuit diagrams andprocess flowcharts, respectively, can be implemented by various meansincluding computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the computer program product includes theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable storage device that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablestorage device produce an article of manufacture includingcomputer-readable instructions for implementing the function discussedherein. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause aseries of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus, thereby producing a computer-implemented processsuch that the instructions executed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus cause performance of the steps and therebyimplement the functions discussed herein.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the circuit diagrams and processflowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the circuit diagrams andprocess flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedcomputer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, orcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseembodiments of the invention pertain having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the inventionare not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and thatmodifications and other embodiments are intended to be included withinthe scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employedherein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor purposes of limitation.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. An apparatus for generating an augmented realityinterface, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at leastone non-transitory memory including computer program code, wherein thecomputer program code, in execution with the at least one processor,configures the apparatus to: receive camera data and location dataassociated with a consumer device; receive map data based on thelocation data associated with the consumer device; identify at least aprovider location in a field of view based on the map data; determine anumber of consumer devices within a proximity radius of the providerlocation; determine the number of consumer devices within the proximityradius of the provider location satisfies a predetermined number ofconsumer devices; determine, based at least on determining that thenumber of consumer devices within the proximity radius of the providerlocation satisfies the predetermined number of consumer devices, apromotion for the provider location; and cause display of an impressionof the promotion in an augmented reality, the augmented realitydisplayed via an interface of the consumer device.
 23. The apparatusaccording to claim 22, further configured to: identify relevancecriteria associated with the consumer device; determine, based at leaston the relevance criteria, a relevancy score associated with thepromotion for the consumer device; and determine the relevancy scoresatisfies a relevancy threshold.
 24. The apparatus according to claim22, further configured to: determine a number of views associated withthe promotion from view data associated with the promotion from one ormore consumer device; and causing displaying, by the processor, of theimpression of the promotion in the augmented reality based on the numberof views associated with the promotion.
 25. The apparatus according toclaim 22, wherein the impression of the promotion comprises a first viewof the promotion, the apparatus further configured to: generate analtered parameter value for at least one promotion parameter of thepromotion based on a determination the impression of the promotioncomprises the first view of the promotion, wherein the impressioncomprises the altered parameter value for the at least one promotionparameter of the promotion.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 22,further configured to: determine a number of views associated with thepromotion from view data associated with the promotion from the consumerdevice; and generate an altered price value for a price promotionparameter of the promotion based on the number of views associated withthe promotion from the consumer device, wherein the impression comprisesthe altered price value for the price promotion parameter of thepromotion.
 27. The apparatus according to claim 22, further configuredto: receive, from a second consumer device, a proximate consumerindication associated with the consumer device that indicates the secondconsumer device is present within a predetermined proximity range of theconsumer device; and determine the promotion based at least one theproximate consumer indication.
 28. A computer program product forgenerating an augmented reality interface, the computer program productcomprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumhaving computer-executable program code instructions stored thereon, thecomputer-executable program code instructions, when executed by aprocessor, configured for: receiving, by the processor, camera data andlocation data associated with a consumer device; receiving, by theprocessor, map data based on the location data associated with theconsumer device; identify, by the processor, at least a providerlocation in a field of view based on the map data; determining, by theprocessor, a number of consumer devices within a proximity radius of theprovider location; determining, by the processor, the number of consumerdevices within the proximity radius of the provider location satisfies apredetermined number of consumer devices; determining, by the processorbased at least on determining that the number of consumer devices withinthe proximity radius of the provider location satisfies thepredetermined number of consumer devices, a promotion for the providerlocation; and causing displaying, by the processor, of an impression ofthe promotion in an augmented reality, the augmented reality displayedvia an interface of the consumer device.
 29. The computer programproduct according to claim 28, further configured for: identifying, bythe processor, relevance criteria associated with the consumer device;determining, by the processor and based at least on the relevancecriteria, a relevancy score associated with the promotion for theconsumer device; and determining, by the processor, the relevancy scoresatisfies a relevancy threshold.
 30. The computer program productaccording to claim 28, further configured for: determining, by theprocessor, a number of views associated with the promotion from viewdata associated with the promotion from one or more consumer devices;and causing displaying, by the processor, of the impression of thepromotion in the augmented reality based on the number of viewsassociated with the promotion.
 31. The computer program productaccording to claim 28, wherein the impression of the promotion comprisesa first view of the promotion, the computer program product furtherconfigured for: generating, by the processor, an altered parameter valuefor at least one promotion parameter of the promotion based on adetermination the impression of the promotion comprises the first viewof the promotion, wherein the impression comprises the altered parametervalue for the at least one promotion parameter of the promotion.
 32. Thecomputer program product according to claim 28, further configured for:determining, by the processor, a number of views associated with thepromotion from view data associated with the promotion from the consumerdevice; and generating, by the processor, an altered price value for aprice promotion parameter of the promotion based on the number of viewsassociated with the promotion from the consumer device, wherein theimpression comprises the altered price value for the price promotionparameter of the promotion.
 33. The computer program product accordingto claim 28, further configured for: receiving, by the processor from asecond consumer device, a proximate consumer indication associated withthe consumer device that indicates the second consumer device is presentwithin a predetermined proximity range of the consumer device; anddetermining, by the processor, the promotion based at least one theproximate consumer indication.
 34. A method for generating an augmentedreality interface comprising: receiving, by a processor, camera data andlocation data associated with a consumer device; receiving, by theprocessor, map data based on the location data associated with theconsumer device; identify, by the processor, at least a providerlocation in a field of view based on the map data; determining, by theprocessor, a number of consumer devices within a proximity radius of theprovider location; determining, by the processor, the number of consumerdevices within the proximity radius of the provider location satisfies apredetermined number of consumer devices; determining, by the processorbased at least on determining that the number of consumer devices withinthe proximity radius of the provider location satisfies thepredetermined number of consumer devices, a promotion for the providerlocation; and causing displaying, by the processor, of an impression ofthe promotion in an augmented reality, the augmented reality displayedvia an interface of the consumer device.
 35. The method according toclaim 34, further comprising: identifying, by the processor, relevancecriteria associated with the consumer device; determining, by theprocessor and based at least on the relevance criteria, a relevancyscore associated with the promotion for the consumer device; anddetermining, by the processor, the relevancy score satisfies a relevancythreshold.
 36. The method according to claim 34, further comprising:determining, by the processor, a number of views associated with thepromotion from view data associated with the promotion from one or moreconsumer devices; and causing displaying, by the processor, of theimpression of the promotion in the augmented reality based on the numberof views associated with the promotion.
 37. The method according toclaim 34, wherein the impression of the promotion comprises a first viewof the promotion, the method further comprising: generating, by theprocessor, an altered parameter value for at least one promotionparameter of the promotion based on a determination the impression ofthe promotion comprises the first view of the promotion, wherein theimpression comprises the altered parameter value for the at least onepromotion parameter of the promotion.
 38. The method according to claim34, further comprising: determining, by the processor, a number of viewsassociated with the promotion from view data associated with thepromotion from the consumer device; and generating, by the processor, analtered price value for a price promotion parameter of the promotionbased on the number of views associated with the promotion from theconsumer device, wherein the impression comprises the altered pricevalue for the price promotion parameter of the promotion.
 39. The methodaccording to claim 34, further comprising: receiving, by the processorfrom a second consumer device, a proximate consumer indicationassociated with the consumer device that indicates the second consumerdevice is present within a predetermined proximity range of the consumerdevice; and determining, by the processor, the promotion based at leastone the proximate consumer indication.
 40. The method according to claim34, wherein the predetermined number of consumer devices comprises aminimum number of consumer devices.
 41. The method according to claim34, wherein the predetermined number of consumer devices comprises amaximum number of consumer devices.